01/28/2026
Severe periodontitis is a widespread inflammatory disease affecting the tissues that support the teeth, with Porphyromonas gingivalis recognized as a key bacterium driving disease progression. Researchers examined the effects of lemongrass (C. citratus) EO on P. gingivalis and related inflammatory responses. Laboratory testing showed that lemongrass EO inhibited bacterial growth and reduced key virulence behaviors (heme acquisition, aggregation, and biofilm formation). At sub-inhibitory concentrations, biofilm development was markedly suppressed. Further analysis suggested that citral may interact with bacterial virulence-related proteins. In immune cell models, the EO reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine release and markers of oxidative stress, while also helping regulate iron balance within cells. These findings suggest that lemongrass EO may influence both bacterial virulence and host inflammatory responses, supporting further investigation of its potential role in periodontitis management.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41353150/